I think the results are pretty accurate, although I could see a little of Hermione in me, too (except for the intelligent and precise parts). Tell me who you are!

Harry Potter Personality Quiz by Pirate Monkeys Inc.

I have a confession. We’re going on day three of our long four-day weekend, and I have to admit that I don’t mind going back to work on Monday. It’s weird having so much free time, and it’s a strange feeling to not have things to do. For example, we had nothing–absolutely nothing–on our plates today. So, aside from going out to return a shirt and check out a knitting store, I’ve been home all day.

But an open schedule and relaxation (and a job that I love that is waiting for me on Monday) are just some of many things I should be thankful for, especially as we just celebrated Thanksgiving and should be counting our blessings.

This was the first Thanksgiving that Matt and I hosted, since last year, we went to Portland. On Thanksgiving night, Keba and Aaron (friends I’ve mentioned before, who moved here from the east coast), Jon (Matt’s childhood friend), Ashton (a girl we just met, who just moved here from D.C.), Matt and I did our best to devour two turkeys (one Chinese-style–think BBQ pork–and another deep-fried), mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, apple crisp, vanilla bean ice cream and pumpkin cheesecake. Despite our best efforts, we sent people home with leftovers.

It was a fun evening, though, starting with some cooking and then an exciting show of deep-frying the turkey (and figuring out how to rig it with a straightened hanger so it could be lifted in and out of the deep fryer). It came out with a dark, crisp skin and didn’t taste too bad. I’m just not a fan of turkey, so I’m all for eating some other sort of meat next year!

Phase one of Thanksgiving ended with a close game of Guesstures where the guys barely beat the girls. One of my favorite mimes was of Aaron acting out “joyride.” He pretended to be cruising down the street, leaning back in his seat, but then would break out into a show of joy by gleefully pumping his fist in the air.

Phase two of Thanksgiving began close to midnight when Keba, Aaron, Matt and I decided to drive up to Alderwood Mall, about 30 minutes north, which opened its doors at 12:01. We really had nothing to buy, but we were curious what this was all about. I think a large factor in our deciding to go was because we wanted to feel young again and enjoy our post-baby freedom (not like we’re planning anything soon, so don’t get excited!). Although it was kind of cool to be part of the hoopla, it was a disappointment to see that not all the stores were open. (Not to mention, it was sooo cold outside!!) The mall was packed with people who seemed to be just walking through the mall halls and not even entering stores. But even the stores were so crowded that browsing seemed more cumbersome than enjoyable. And the sales weren’t even that great, if there even were any. So an hour later, we headed home. But we did it, and now we’ll never have to wonder what it’s like.

Last night, we extended the Thanksgiving celebration by having dinner with the Chings and Wus, and finally met the Wus’ adorable new son, Grayson. Having that time with them–plus our Thanksgiving dinner the night before–reminded me how thankful I am for new and old friends we have here in Seattle who have become like family to us, since our families are so far away. It really is difficult to know how fortunate we are to have our families until we are away from them, but it also allows us to be more mindful of friends we are thankful for and how we hopefully can become friends and family to other people here.

Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving, too! (Thanksgiving pics are up in the gallery
under “Fall 2007″!)

Sleeping between flannel sheets makes SUCH a difference. Since the gray and dreary weather is pretty much upon us, I also switched out our brown duvet cover to our BRIGHT green one (thanks again, Krissy!). Matt says every time he looks at it, he wants to barf. As long as he doesn’t do it on the duvet, that’s fine with me.

A couple of months ago, Matt and I were struggling with the decision to stay or leave the church we had been attending since last December. In a nutshell, the only thing keeping us there was our commitment to the youth there. It’s funny looking back and remembering how much we did struggle with the decision. Were we supposed to stay and stick out whatever hurdles our church was experiencing? Or were we supposed to leave and finally go to a church that had people our age group and preaching that we learned from? If you put it that way, the decision seems obvious.

And now, a few months later, and having only tried four other churches within the last month and half, it’s quite obvious that God has brought us to another church that truly fits what we had in mind. In previous entries, I mentioned three other churches–none of which Matt and I were gung-ho about. There was always something that didn’t feel quite right.

Enter Church #4, which we attended the past two Sundays. It’s a young, small church in downtown Renton that really desires to reflect the multicultural community in which it’s set. There is still much to be accomplished in that area, but nearly everyone who we have met from church also are focused on that…to bring in more people from the neighborhood, to get to know people in the community, to make sure people of all races and walks of life feel welcome. It’s refreshing to see that the church is actively doing things to reach that goal.

And not only the church as a whole is doing that, but so are individuals in their own lives the rest of the week. Tonight, we attended a community group that is only about 10 minutes from our house. Nearly everyone in the group lives within 10-15 minutes of us, and it just blew us away that all of them had such hearts for other people, for their neighbors, for people around the world. Many of them have and continue opening up their homes to their neighbors, either through meals or tutoring. And this is not an “official church event.” This is what they do on their own time. I was truly inspired.

And it’s not like they were intimidating “super Christians,” either. They were all so easygoing, genuine, friendly, and I felt comfortable with them right away…and that’s not something I experience often. There was a lot of joking around going on, and a lot of harmless friendly banter between people that made us feel comfortable. People were comfortable enough to make fun of one another, without taking offense, and I really liked that. But people were also very open and honest about themselves.
Another plus for the church is that the sermons are great. Of all the churches we’ve been to, the sermons we’ve heard in the last two weeks have been the most interesting and well-given sermons of our other options.

So, now looking back, I feel almost foolish to think we might have stayed at our old church, when this was waiting for us. I know no church is perfect, and over time (if we stay at this church), I know flaws will show themselves. But that’s expected at any church, any job, with any relationship. But to see so many of what was on our list of “Top Things We Want in Our Church” in one place was just a humbling reminder that the nudge away from our old church was not just our way of copping out of an awkward situation. Picture me doing a Wayne and Garth, bowing down, saying, “We’re not worthy! We’re not worthy!”

Life would be much easier if we saw our paths laid out clearly before us, but where would the fun and the faith be in all of that?

This is what it sounded like in our house the other day when Matt was watching football:

Sportscaster: Blah blah blah John David Booty blah blah blah (I say “blah blah blah” because I don’t pay attention nor understand what is being said when it comes to football.)

Me: *snicker* Booty…hehe…*snicker*

Matt: Grow up!

Please tell me I’m not the only almost-30-year-old who snickers every time someone says John David Booty’s name on TV.